Foretaste of the Sermon to Come
A little Nibble of the Revised Common Lectionary
Sunday’s readings are Mt. 21:1-17, Zech 9:9-10, Phil 2:5-11 and Mt. 26:1-13
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!
FINALLY JESUS! You’ve reached the potential of the Messiah we’ve been promised! Save Us! (which is what Hosanna means in Hebrew) You’re riding into Jerusalem on your mighty steed, just like the warrior King David! Now SAVE US!!!
Wait a minute. Do you see what he’s driving? It’s a donkey colt. Where’s the mighty steed? Where’s his armor and spear? His army? How’s he supposed to save us from a donkey’s back? Uh, Jesus? Is this supposed to be funny? Where’s the triumphal entry that my bible’s Matthew 21 chapter header promises?
But don’t be fooled. Jesus has come to town fully armed and prepared to do battle. He has come to win. Decisively. Eternally. The Prince of Peace is making his way to the cross where he will battle sin and death and drive them back to the stinking pit in which they belong. So settle in for Holy Week. Travel to the cross with Jesus, to his battlefield. Wave your palms and ask for his salvation. Celebrate his last Passover supper with all disciples through the centuries. Crucify him and grieve at the foot of the cross. Then hold your breath and see what happens on the 3rd day! Hosanna!
Oh. And if you want to read some truly triumphant words, read the little creed the Apostle Paul put together in our epistle, Phil 2:5-11.
